B.C. broke energy records for both summer and winter in 2021: BC Hydro
BC Hydro says that energy use saw record-high peaks in both the summer and winter of last year.
Extreme weather conditions are the main cause of the historic energy usage, and it’s a trend BC Hydro expects to continue in the years to come.
Deadly summer heatwaves caused many British Columbians to turn to cooling methods, such as air conditioners, with BC Hydro recording an all-time summer peak of 8,568 megawatts on June 28.
The energy provider says that record was more than 600 megawatts higher than the previous single-day record.
Meanwhile, BC Hydro saw a record-breaking wintertime energy usage of 10,787 megawatts on Dec. 27, when snowfall and below-seasonal cold were affecting the province.
"We use peak loads to describe the electricity demand in the province during the highest load hour of each day," said Kyle Donaldson, BC Hydro spokesperson, in a release Friday.
"With the heat dome in the summer and the sustained cold temperatures in December, we saw more record-breaking hours on more days last year than any other single year," he said.
BC Hydro says 19 out of its 25 all-time summer daily peak records were set in 2021, while 11 out of the top 25 winter daily peak records were made last year.
The energy provider adds that over the past five years, peak energy use records have been broken five times.
FUTURE ENERGY USE
Despite BC Hydro predicting higher energy demands in the province, the company says it's more than ready to meet B.C.'s needs.
BC Hydro says it generates surplus electricity, and it has more than enough until about 2030.
Until then, it's planning to meet future demand "through a combination of energy conservation and the development of (energy) generation resources."
BC Hydro is still encouraging British Columbians to turn away from energy sources that use greenhouse gases. It's encouraging a switch to electric vehicles, or the use of heat pumps in homes, which can both heat and cool spaces.
Despite BC Hydro's confidence in its power supply, recent surveys conducted by the energy company found that 76 per cent of British Columbians were concerned about the reliability of electricity due to climate change.
"BC Hydro has enough supply options to meet growing demand for power," said Donaldson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.